Before dropping a bunch of money on a dental bridge, there are many different questions that one will consider. One of the main ones is how long the dental bridge in question will last? This is a main consideration when choosing which dental bridge to get at all, as one is less likely to drop more money on something that will not last a long time. Are the more expensive ones also likely to last longer? Is there anything I can do to make my dental bridge last longer and thus be more worth it?
How long do dental bridges last?
The average dental bridge lasts between 5 to 7 years, based on a study done at King’s College. But does this mean that you should take that at face value and assume that your dental bridge is also going to last around 5 to perhaps 7 years, and then calculate? Well, not exactly, as many factors influence how long a dental bridge lasts and most of these factors do depend entirely on the patient and their lifestyle. But this 5 to 7 year estimate on average should give you an idea of what the minimum life expectancy of a dental bridge should be. The materials used are also a factor in determining the lifespan of a dental bridge, as premium materials like zirconium crack less often, and will last longer.
Lifestyle factors
Dental bridge failure can occur for a number of reasons. If you have quickly shifting conditions in your mouth, like a receding gum line, a disintegrating alveolus from tooth loss or from chronic diseases like diabetes or osteoporosis, you may see your dental bridge fail much quicker through no fault of its own or your dentist. Periodontitis from being improperly cleaned will also cause dental bridges to fail more quickly. This can be prevented by cleaning the dental bridge properly on a regular basis. Lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking alcohol and subjecting your dental bridge to different kinds of chemicals can also shorten their lifespan. But if you live a healthy life, and clean your teeth, gums and your dental bridge regularly, you should see the lifespan of your dental bridge be between 10 years and a lifetime.
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